62. Finding Solutions
YILEYNA
“And that’s why the sofa and everything is wet.” I finished.
I had spent the last hour telling Charlene about my powers, how Theon assumed I might be part mage or
fae, and about the frost all over the cabin. “Dear Selene… that’s… amazing.” Charlene whispered in
awe.
“I don’t know if it is, but I was thinking of asking Madelia or maybe Zarian to see if they could help me
channel it or something?” I mused as I stood up from where we had both been sitting cross-legged on
the floor. 1
“Hmm, I think Zarian is the better choice. Madelia is far too close to Dad, She obeys his orders without
question, and if you don’t want Dad to know, then I would say avoid her.” Charlene said. “You have
become stronger since your birthday, even I can sense it… Yileyna, do you think you made the odd
storm happen last night?”
I almost laughed. “A storm? I highly doubt that.” “I’m serious… like you said, the entire place was frosted.
The storm came on suddenly and was crazy all through the night, and it only calmed considerably after
three in the morning…” Charlene said thoughtfully. “Which would rule out you being a mage. Without
casting a spell, there’s no way you can draw upon your magic…” “So you think I’m part fae then?” I
asked tilting my head. “Yes! Oh my goddess! You must be, you are so beautiful it makes sense!” She
exclaimed in excitement, cupping my face. I raised an eyebrow before my amusement faded away as the
reality set in that one or both of my parents may not be blood-related to me. As if realising what was on
my mind, Charlene hugged me.
“Our blood does not make us who we are, just as I consider you as my sister.” She gave me a squeeze
and I smiled.
She was right, no matter who or what I was, my parents were always going to be my parents. I was the
daughter of William and Hana De’Lacor and no one else. “Right, so let’s do this. We first find a new
apartment, and then we talk to Zarian.” Charlene decided.
“Aren’t you going to be missed at the castle?”
“Not yet, I have a few hours free before I need to return, and we need to think of a plan too…” She
tapped her chin. “This ball… I wish you would come.” “Oh, I am coming.” I said as I laced up my boots.
She turned sharply towards me in surprise and excitement.
“Really?”
“Yes, Raiden asked me to accompany him.” I said, as Charlene smiled..
“Ooo from one handsome man to another handsome but also charming young man! He’s liked you for so
long!” “Let’s not forget that Raiden is the biggest playboy in the city. He’s slept with most women here.
He only teased me and flirted.” I reminded her. “Oh I know but-”
“Charl, I’m not ready to think of anyone romantically,” I whispered trying to hide the pain in my eyes. “I’m
sorry.” She replied apologetically. “It’s fine, let’s go.” I said picking up my coat and putting it on. We left
the cabin together; our first plan of action was to find somewhere for me to stay. We made a quick stop at
the bank where I filled up a bag of coins from our family vault, and I saw that the king had indeed given
me a good lump sum for the trip we had made. 1 “Ok, let’s ask Madam Marigold if she knows a place! I’m
sure she may have some rooms above the café too.”
“That’s true, we can ask her. I’m sure she may know someone or other who is offering a place. If they
even accept me with my reputation as the daughter of a traitor. I can’t wait to remove this mark from my
parent’s reputation.” I responded thoughtfully.
“She is one person who doesn’t care about anyone’s opinion or background, I’m sure she’ll happily help.”
It was true she had a mix of people working for her yet still her cafe wasn’t any less busy, it was a place
where everyone could just enjoy the sweet treats and hot drinks without discrimination. We made our
way there, with Charlene saying she couldn’t wait to have a hot drink with this blistering cold.
“Finally!” She breathed a sigh of relief when the café came into sight.
“You really are cold.” I said, sympathetically looking at her red tipped nose. She looked over at me,
looking me up and down calculatingly.
“Do you think your element is the reason you don’t feel cold? I mean the ice.” She whispered, leaning
closer.
“Goddess knows.” I shrugged, thinking over her words. “That is an interesting point, recently I didn’t feel
as cold as I used to. I assumed it was because my wolf was awakening…” “Exactly, I really think it plays
a huge factor.” Charlene said thoughtfully. A sudden thought came to me, and my stomach twisted.
“Charlene, do you think if that’s the case that I won’t have a wolf?” I whispered quietly.
Sure, the king had people of all species working for him, but they weren’t in the pack Would that mean if I
didn’t have a wolf i’d be thrown out? “You are most likely a hybrid; I can sense you are a werewolf. Trust
me, I have done extensive research on this matter. If anything, you may not be able to take werewolf
form, but most
werewolf hybrids can mind link.” She explained confidently. I frowned and nodded. She was right… The
few hybrids we had in the pack were extremely rare. I think there were only three at most, however only
two of those three could shift but the third also had the mind link.
I wanted my wolf, I really did…
We reached the café soon after and requested if Madam Marigold could give us a few moments, when
she had time, she looked at us suspiciously before giving a curt nod.
“Alright, now go to the back booth, Zarian will bring you something to eat. You are both a sight.” She
ordered, as if she knew we hadn’t eaten anything, but then I guess we both didn’t look like our normal
selves.
“Thank you.” I said as Charlene smiled gratefully at her. Once settled and after placing our orders with
Zarian, we waited for him to return. We planned to ask him when he brought our food.
“I love those pastries.” Charlene said licking her lips as she referred to the pastries we had just ordered
Madam Marigold had some delicious pastries that she only served in the morning hours, and they were
delicious, crispy pastries filled with a special cream and jam in the centre.
“Me too.” I said, playing with the fur of my coat that now sat on the booth beside me.
Zarian soon returned, his silky black hair held two small plaits that came from the back and fell by his
side, and a few strands left out framing his face.
He was indeed a very beautiful man.
He flashed me a smile as I observed him. “Distracted, beautiful?” He teased as he placed our tray down.
“A little.” I said before smiling sweetly. “I actually had a favour to ask…”
“Oh? What favour can I do for the beauty before me?” He looked curious, glancing between us before he
crossed his arms, watching me with sharp interest.
As expected he wasn’t just a beautiful man, I think I was right coming here. Something told me he’d be
able to help us.
“Yes, can we talk in private once you are free?” I asked quietly, glancing around the café.
He tapped his chin before he nodded. “You are in luck; I am finishing early today anyway.” He replied
with a wink. “Perfect.” Charlene said just as Madam Marigold came over and Zarian walked off smoothly.
“I do hope you pretties are not distracting my waiter. Now, what can I help you ladies with?” She said
sitting down beside me and folding the tea towel she was holding with a huff of relief.
“Busy morning, I see.” Charlene said picking up one of the pastries. “Extremely. I await the day I retire,
yet I love this place so much I don’t see it happening any day soon.”
“Well, we are glad to hear that, this is the best café in Westerfell.” I said, exchanging a look with
Charlene before continuing “We won’t take too much of your time, the thing is I was looking for a place to
stay. A permanent place, it doesn’t need to be big…” Her eyebrow shot up and she looked me over.
“Weren’t you living with the soon-to-be beta?”
News indeed travelled fast.
“She isn’t anymore, we were hoping you knew of a place that would offer a room, you are always so
knowledgeable.” Charlene smiled warmly, trying to divert the conversation away from Theon and I.
Just the mention of him made my heart squeeze with pain. Madam Marigold sighed as she sat back as if
thinking, before she turned to me. “You know with the upcoming ball many places are fully booked out.
Even I don’t have any rooms that I can give you full-time, however I have a friend who has made an inn
down by the coast and yes, I know it’s a bit of a risky place, but it’s cheap, very easy on the eyes and it’s
doing well. Besides, as long as you don’t go down to the coast at night it’s fine.” She said briskly.
Charlene and I exchanged looks; I knew which place she meant, it had been getting constructed for a
while now.
“It’s more catered for travellers, and since it’s on the outskirts it’s a bit more away from the hustle and
bustle of the city. He is offering some permanent residency too and if I write you a letter, I’m sure he will
happily allow you to stay.” “Could you do that? I would be grateful.” I said feeling a little hopeful. “Should
we not take a look first?” Charlene asked worriedly.
“No it’s fine, I’m sure it’ll be perfect.” I replied, I just needed a place.
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